New vs used tiller

[thefisherman]

I've got a Massey GC1715, 25 hp with just under 20 PTO hp. I'm ready to upgrade from a rear tine walk-behind tiller to a 3 point tiller. Main uses are going to be two small food plots in heavy clay soil and a veggie garden in a more reasonable soil.

I'm looking in the 48-54" range. I've got to keep SWMBO happy so I'm trying to find a solid used unit, but many I'm seeing are priced pretty close to new ones. New 48" units run around $1600+tax at Orscheln/TSC for King Kutter or CountyLine brands.

I found an older LandPride RTA1550 on craigslist that is listed as being in good working condition for $1000 OBO. Seems like a deal, but I really don't know if the savings is worth it. Generally speaking I figure older stuff is heavier duty than new stuff, and I'm not afraid to fix things as long as parts are available. But I know really next to nothing about 3 point tillers and would like some feedback from the experts here. Thanks.

 

[seville009]

I wouldn’t hesitate to buy used, subject obviously to looking it over and seeing it work. There’s no engine or hoses to deal with, so it’s not a complicated piece of equipment at least

Offer low; you have nothing to lose.

When you’re done with using it years from now, you can resell it and get some or all of your money back.

 

[Deere Dude]

Generally half price for a moderately used piece would be about fair.

 

[thefisherman]

Generally half price for a moderately used piece would be about fair.

The replacement model, the RTA1250, sells new for about $2200, and the two used ones on TractorHouse right now are $1500 and $1550 and look to be in rougher shape. I think it's a good deal, but I'm still going to hit him at $850 to see if I can get it even better. Willing to pay asking though. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Gem99ultra]

I have a LP 5' that's over 14 years old now. Still works perfect. I doubt you'll match the quality of the LP with the KK.

 

[Ford850]

I'd make a couple quick checks...
- A quick once-over of the gear box for leaks.
- Look at the tines for excessive wear.

If both of those check out I'd jump on it. It's a dirt tool that will get banged and bruised by rocks anyway, so new or used won't matter after your first few times out.

 

[cglaser104]

I'd make a couple quick checks...
- A quick once-over of the gear box for leaks.
- Look at the tines for excessive wear.

If both of those check out I'd jump on it. It's a dirt tool that will get banged and bruised by rocks anyway, so new or used won't matter after your first few times out.

I second this

 

[ruffdog]

I have a 5' KK and it has been a good tiller...no complaints. Wow, the prices sure have went up on this stuff! I'm sure glad I bought equipment years ago!

 

[DK35vince]

I have a LP 5' that's over 14 years old now. Still works perfect. I doubt you'll match the quality of the LP with the KK.

And I have a 6' King Kutter that is 12 years old and still works fine.
My dad still has my old 5' KK tiller, probably 20 years old now, still working fine.

 

[MESSMAKER]

And I have a 6' King Kutter that is 12 years old and still works fine.
My dad still has my old 5' KK tiller, probably 20 years old now, still working fine.

I have a 10 year old KK. it has been great.

 

[Fallon]

My 5' King Kutter is 5 years old or so & doing fine. Tines are getting a bit worn, but I've done 2-3 acres of field twice & a lot of horse arenas. Some of the sand in the arenas is likely a bit abrasive. I'm looking for a new tiller as my new L4060HSTC is 72" wide. The 60" tiller was a good match for my previous 60" track L3200. But it works well enough I'm not looking hard.

Look for leaks from the gearbox ontop or on the side. Those are going to be the expensive bits. Bearings are cheap to replace. New tines & skid shoes wont be to bad & are expected wear items. I'm looking for good value used this time after buying my last one new.